Homicide by Assault Charge for Teen Soccer Player

(SALT LAKE CITY, UT) – A 17-year-old Utah boy has been charged with homicide by assault after he punched a soccer referee who later died. Authorities say the charge was issued because the attack unintentionally caused a death, and is considered less serious than manslaughter. If convicted, the teen could spend up to five years in prison. Police say the teen attacked 46-year-old Ricardo Portillo after getting a yellow card for a penalty during a recreational soccer match in a Salt Lake City suburb April 27.